Child, Youth and Adult Life Vests (DGS-OTA)

The California Department of General Services Procurement Division, on behalf of the California Department of Public Health, is soliciting bids for Child, Youth, and Adult Life Vests through Invitation for Bid (IFB #0000001583). The procurement seeks Type III USCG-approved life vests in three specific sizes: Child (30-50 lbs), Youth (50-90 lbs), and Adult (over 90 lbs), with precise quantity requirements of 1,414 child vests, 1,980 youth vests, and 2,262 adult vests. Technical specifications mandate lightweight PE foam construction with 200 or 210 denier nylon shell fabric, adjustable chest/waist straps with quick release buckles, and crotch straps for child sizes. Bids are due by 2:00 PM on May 10, 2016, with required delivery windows spanning May-June 2016 and final shipments no later than June 15, 2016 to multiple California locations. Key delivery requirements include email notifications with tracking numbers, delivery tracking with receipts, and deliveries during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm).

The solicitation includes a 5% preference for California certified small businesses or non-small businesses demonstrating 25% small business subcontractor participation. The contract will be awarded through an Alternative Protest Process under Public Contract Code 12125. The life vests are intended for distribution to low-income children through various organizations across California, with a detailed distribution list specifying quantities and delivery locations for each recipient organization. Pricing terms are F.O.B. Destination Freight Prepaid, with hard copy submissions excluding sales tax. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the total procurement involves 5,656 life vests across three size categories, suggesting a moderate-scale purchasing initiative focused on providing safety equipment to vulnerable populations through community organizations.